Making Dreams a Reality: UIW to Welcome 24 Global Online Graduates at Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony

In 2021, UIW launched its Global Online program, which provides online degree programs in Spanish to students in the Latin American region. The program offers the opportunity for intentional Spanish-speaking students to grow professionally and personally as they work to obtain a U.S. degree or diploma. UIW Global Online’s first graduating class consisted of 41 students who graduated in December of 2022.

“The program initially launched with two master’s degrees: the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the Master of Education (M.Ed.),” said Berenice Quiroz, director of UIW Global Online. “Later, the Master’s of Organizational Development and Leadership (MODL) was added. Today, all three programs are thriving and highly sought after within the Hispanic market.”

Since then, the program has enrolled students from countries including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

This December, Global Online will graduate 43 students across its three master’s programs: 11 MBA, 26 M.Ed., and 6 MODL graduates. Each commencement season, members from each graduating class travel from their home countries to San Antonio, TX to cross the stage and receive their degrees in person at UIW’s commencement ceremonies. This year, 24 of the 43 Global Online graduates will be joining in the celebration.

“From the very first graduating class, UIW Global Online students have expressed a deep desire to participate in the in-person commencement ceremony at the UIW campus in San Antonio, Texas,” said Quiroz. “For them, this represents not just the culmination of a master’s degree but the fulfillment of a lifelong dream: graduating from a prestigious U.S. university. It’s even more meaningful for them to be part of UIW, an institution with a legacy and a deep connection to the Latino and Hispanic community.”

As director of Global Online, Quiroz expressed that it is a privilege to share this milestone with students and their families. She hopes that the experience of their graduation will be a precious memory. The opportunity to help welcome these students to celebrate their own achievements is one that brings her much pride and joy as she sees UIW’s Mission brought to life through these graduates.

“It is my hope that these graduates will truly feel the warmth of the UIW community and the embrace of the Cardinal family,” shared Quiroz. “And as they leave, I hope they carry the UIW name with pride, spreading the word to others about the incredible opportunities our university offers.”